By Elizabeth Hershberger
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Shania Lynn Kuta, 29, 10862 N. Syracuse-Webster Road, Syracuse, will serve four years of probation for possession of cocaine.

Shania Lynn Kuta

Kuta was charged with possession of cocaine, a level 4 felony. As part of a plea agreement, the remaining charges in the case of dealing in cocaine, a level 2 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor were dismissed.

Kuta’s plea acceptance and sentencing were held Monday, June 23 in Kosciusko Circuit Court.

For possession of cocaine, Judge Matthew Buehler sentenced Kuta to four years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with the four years suspended to probation. Kuta was ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation as part of her probation.

At sentencing, Prosecutor Brad Voelz said, “You mentioned in your statement that being pulled over was a blessing in disguise. I think it was just a blessing.”

He continued, “I think you’re happier on your new track.”

Kuta agreed with Voelz and told the court, “I’m sorry for my mistakes.”

“You’re clean, I hope. You need to make that the number one focus of your life,” said Buehler. He reminded Kuta she needs to continue making that top priority as time goes on.

The Case

On November 30, 2024, an Indiana State Trooper pulled over a vehicle without a license plate. The driver was identified as Kuta.

According to court documents, the trooper smelled marijuana in the vehicle and noticed Kuta’s hands visibly shook. There was an open can of beer in the vehicle.

The trooper read Kuta her rights and she stated she smoked marijuana about three hours earlier, drank one beer and purchased a large amount of marijuana from a Michigan dispensary.

The trooper searched the vehicle and found 12 ziplock bags containing a total of 13.7 grams of cocaine, 22 pre-rolled cigarettes containing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Kuta admitted she dealt cocaine because it was easy money and she had last used the drug in the morning.